Debbie Sharpe originated in Australia, toured the world cooking with rock stars but lucky for us, fell in love with Chicago on a stop and stayed. She opened The Goddess and Grocer in 2005 and has expanded to multiple locations since. The goodness that The Goddess and Grocer creates goes beyond delicious and healthy meals, Sharpe makes sure that the business has heart. Sharpe leads the business in a way that she lives her own life, supporting those who need it, those who support you, and that money is not God(dess). After 21 years in business, it was time to find out what was next for Sharpe, how the rainbow cake became so famous, and what Australian favorite never makes the menu cut.
The Goddess and Grocer is a great place for a meal but the sense of community you foster seems to go beyond hunger. Why was it important to you to not focus solely on the bottom line and to give to Chicago nonprofits? Who are the partners you keep giving back to?
I think it's important to support the people who support you. Without them we would have no bottom line at all. That's why we tend to support hyper-local groups and concentrate on giving food away. It also shows our employees that we are not all about the money and we have a big heart. I don't like seeing anybody go hungry and on a personal level I always hand a couple of dollars out of my car window or buy someone a sandwich. Non-profits we support include Maggie's Place, Center on Halsted, PAWS Chicago, World Central Kitchen, Sandy Hook Promise, ActBlue, Mary's Meals, KIVA, and many more.
In a space filled with salads and sandwiches worthy of praise, how did the Rainbow Cake become your most famous menu item?
I have no idea how our rainbow cake became famous but ours tastes really delicious. I haven't tasted a better one and I am always checking them out wherever I travel and I have been traveling a lot this summer with concerts all over the country!
What menu item is your own go to?
The Garden Goddess wrap was the whole inspiration of starting The Goddess and Grocer. I love a juicy salad sandwich and a lettuce, tomato and cucumber one was not cutting it.
It took customers a while to get used to having beets in the wrap but I think they all enjoy the various flavors and contrasts of texture
Is there anything you wish could be on the menu that never makes the cut?
An Australian burger with the lot! Fried egg, grilled onions, cheese, beets, pineapple, lettuce, tomato, bread and butter pickles, bbq sauce or ketchup! My other choice would be a pan bagnat with tuna, anchovies, tomatoes, celery, spring onions, radish, basil, hard cooked eggs, salt and great olive oil in a baguette left to sit for a few hours.
After 21 years, what is next and how will you celebrate?
I am in discussions now with the best way, not to exit, but to cut down my work load. Between the stores and the backstage catering, my biggest serving dish is well overflowing. I turn 70 in August, have a lovely man to share my life with (finally), and we would like to travel the world, while still keeping an eye on things. We’ll be celebrating 21 years this summer and will have 21 surprises in store. Details will be released through our social channels and website!
The Goddess and Grocer is located in Bucktown/Wicker Park (1649 N Damen Ave); Fulton Market (911 W Randolph St); Gold Coast (845 N State St), and if you are jetting off for your summer vacation, you can even grab a slice at O'Hare Airport in Terminal 5.
